Donor Spotlight: The people of Oklahoma Oil & Natural Gas

Jaime WaltonDonors, Front Page, Spotlight

We are proud to highlight the incredible contributions of the Oklahoma Energy Resources Board (OERB), who work on behalf of the people of Oklahoma Oil and Natural Gas. Since its inception in 1993, the OERB has remained steadfast in its mission to enhance the lives of Oklahomans through impactful education initiatives and environmental stewardship. One of the most remarkable aspects of their work is their unwavering commitment to supporting teachers. By equipping educators with the tools, training, and resources they need, they ensure students across Oklahoma receive meaningful, hands-on STEM experiences.

Energy Education Workshops and FREE Field Trip Program

The people of Oklahoma Oil and Natural Gas are dedicated to supporting Oklahoma teachers. Each year, the OERB hosts 14 Energy Education Workshops across the state providing teachers with hands-on curriculum aligned to Oklahoma Academic Standards, professional development hours, $100 stipend, and a free kit of material valued up to $1,200. In addition, each teacher that attends a workshop and teaches the curriculum to their students is eligible for a FREE field trip to one of their 12 partner museums The hosting school also receives a $2,000 STEM Grant through their Workshop STEM Grant program. Empowering Educators with Resources The people of Oklahoma Oil and Natural Gas’s dedication to supporting teachers is evident in its provision of offering free classroom materials and video resources to all Oklahoma teachers.  Teachers can request free folders, pencils, career guides, and more for their students directly from their website providing much needed supplies for their classroom.  Without ever leaving the classroom, teachers can also provide students with information about Oklahoma’s largest industry and see what it takes to produce the energy that fuels the world through their Petro Pros with Leo videos, “Day in the Life” videos, and the Virtual Field Trip videos.   These materials and videos help teachers bring real-world experiences into their classrooms, sparking curiosity and enthusiasm among students.

Celebrating Teacher Excellence

The people of Oklahoma Oil and Natural Gas don’t just equip teachers with resources; they celebrate and reward those who are making a significant impact in education. Through their Top 20 Teachers recognition program, they recognize 20 top educators who go above and beyond, helping shine a light on the invaluable role teachers play in shaping Oklahoma’s future energy leaders.

Building a Future Together

For the past seven years, the people of Oklahoma Oil and Natural Gas, through their partnership with Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance, have played a pivotal role in transforming the landscape of STEM education. We are deeply grateful for their ongoing partnership and look forward to continuing our shared mission of ensuring that all students—and all teachers—are equipped to thrive in STEM. The people of Oklahoma Oil and Natural Gas are not just industry leaders; they are champions for teachers, advocates for education, and partners in creating a brighter future for the next generation of innovators.